Nematode and cestode eggs scattered with cats-dogs feces and significance of public health in Samsun, Turkey

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of nematode and cestode egg contamination in cats' and dogs' fecal samples collected from public grounds (public parks, streets, walks, shelter) in Samsun, Turkey and to evaluate the potential public health risks from parasites of concern. A total of 448 stool samples, 187 cat feces and 261 dog feces, were picked up off the ground. Sixty samples (32.1%) of cats and 74 samples (28.4%) of dogs were positive. Toxocara spp. (27.8%), Trichuris spp. (3.2%), hookworm (2.7%) and Toxascaris leonina (1.8%) eggs in cat samples and hookworm (13%), Toxocara sp. (10.3%), Trichuris sp. (6.9%), Toxascaris leonina (2.7%) and Taenia sp. (0.4%) eggs in dog samples were identified. Toxocara spp. + hookworm in 9 dog and 2 cat samples, Toxocara spp.+ Trichuris spp. in 2 cat and 1 dog samples, Trichuris spp. + hookworm 2 dog samples and Toxascaris leonina + kancalikurt in one dog samples were found as mix infections. Furthermore, non-identified rhabditoid type eggs (2.2%) and Isospora sp. oocysts (1.8%) were found. Some of helminth species found in this study, Toxocara sp., hookworm and Taenia sp. were zoonotic importance. These results were the first record from the Black Sea Region.